United States · Common Core State Standards
9th Grade World Languages
This course develops Novice-High to Intermediate-Low proficiency through immersive communicative tasks. Students explore the intersection of their own lives with the diverse cultures of the target language world while building core skills in three communicative modes.
Identity and Personal Narratives
Students explore how to express their personality, interests, and origins while comparing naming conventions and identity markers across cultures.
Mastering formal and informal social interactions and understanding the cultural weight of gestures and titles.
Using descriptive vocabulary to express personal traits, heritage, and the things that make us unique.
Discussing daily routines and hobbies to find common ground with peers in other countries.
Home, Family, and Belonging
An investigation into the different structures of family and types of housing found throughout the target language regions.
Examining the evolution of family roles and the vocabulary of kinship in various cultural contexts.
Comparing housing styles, urban living, and rural dwellings to understand how geography influences home life.
Discussing chores and the division of labor within a home while using frequency adverbs.
The Global Plate
Exploring culinary traditions, shopping habits, and the social importance of mealtimes in the target culture.
Contrasting the experience of shopping at open-air markets versus large supermarkets.
Learning the specific social rules and linguistic formulas used during meals.
Researching and presenting on a traditional dish and its historical significance.
School Life and Future Ambitions
Comparing educational systems and exploring how students prepare for their future careers.
Analyzing school schedules, subjects, and extracurricular options in various countries.
Understanding the different paths students take through secondary and higher education.
Discussing professional goals and the skills required for the 21st-century workforce.
Travel and Global Citizenship
Planning a journey and discussing the responsibilities of being an ethical traveler.
Navigating transportation systems, lodging, and directions in a target language environment.
Exploring the impact of tourism on local environments and communities.
Researching the historical significance of major sites and monuments.
Celebrations and Customs
A deep dive into the holidays, festivals, and traditions that define the target culture's calendar.
Examining major national holidays and the specific rituals associated with them.
Understanding the social expectations and language of generosity.
Comparing how different cultures mark significant life milestones like birthdays or graduations.